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X1 reviewed by Steve Posted


GFONG

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To be honest, I can't imagine your class would want you using an X1 to start off with... they are mostly likely going to persuade you to buy a DSLR for learning... and are going to be shocked that you are going to class without a camera.

 

Please don't tar all photographic classes with the same brush. As a photography tutuor and lecturer myself I would welcome the owner of an X1, or any Leica for that matter, with open arms. The camera a student uses is irrelevant (within reason of course), the idea of my courses is to familiarise the students with operation and camera handling, essentials of composition, increasing confidence, self criticism and assesment and above all thinking differently about photography ('thinking out of the box' - a well worn phrase).

 

I often find that the people with the most wizzy equipment and options often do not take the best photographs, while some with simple and basic equipment are capable of producing surprising results. Its all in the mind and eyes of the photographer, which is what I try to nurture.

 

However JHS1963, my courses rely on students actually producing results, so don't quite know how you will manage without a camera, I fear your course may be finished before you manage to get an X1, can't you get hold of a D-Lux or LX3 for the time being? Anyway hope you enjoy the course.

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I often find that the people with the most wizzy equipment and options often do not take the best photographs, while some with simple and basic equipment are capable of producing surprising results. Its all in the mind and eyes of the photographer, which is what I try to nurture.

 

I guess things have changed and in no way was I talking about "wizzy" equipment. In my days in school, the teacher in a beginner course wanted you to have a manual SLR so that you could learn about f/stops, apertures, focusing manully, and see exactly what you were framing. I assumed this was still relevant, but I guess not.

 

My post was more about that than snobbery. Myself, I will be using the X1 as one of my main camera, so I totally know it is capable and would be fine for a beginner course. However, courses back in my time seemed to have clear guidelines as to what should be used in the course...just like other courses dictate what book should be used. When I was in school I used everything... 110 cameras, 35mm rangefinders and SLRS, primitive digital cameras, pinhole cameras, large format, medium format, Holgas, Dianas, and P&S cameras... but I started with a mechanical all manual SLR. I was thinking the closest equivalent was a DSLR these days.

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Hi:

 

I really disliked Steve Huff's excellent review on the X-1. He might have pushed me over the edge about getting the X-1. :) This means sacrificing my beloved Nikon 24-70 (I do have the ZF 25, ZF 35, and ZF 50, though.)

 

The more I look into the X-1, the more I like it. One major hurdle that I overcame, Steve Huff stated that the fixed Elmarit that comes with the camera is just as good as the legendary 24mm Elmarit - that is a $3,800 lens. The X-1 is only $2,000 or ~ half the price and this new Elmarit comes with a camera mounted on it; the legendary one, does not.

 

Only $2,000! It is like dealing with monopoly money every time I look into Leica cameras and lenses.

 

Best regards,

 

Hektor

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Steve Huff stated that the fixed Elmarit that comes with the camera is just as good as the legendary 24mm Elmarit - that is a $3,800 lens. The X-1 is only $2,000 or ~ half the price and this new Elmarit comes with a camera mounted on it; the legendary one, does not.

 

I'm not sure if this is completely accurate. He said: "...the X1 delivers the goods and in some cases can be the equal of the M8 and 24 Elmarit lens."

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X1 has a leaf shutter built inside the lens, it syncs to flash at all shutter speeds.

 

Take care!

 

Furrukh

 

I think you will find that it is not true in all cases. I have discovered that on the GXR it is only possible under certain conditions.

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I think you will find that it is not true in all cases. I have discovered that on the GXR it is only possible under certain conditions.

 

Sean's review makes it clear that the X1 syncs at all shutter speeds. I am sure that he checked it out.

 

Take care!

 

Furrukh

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It was dumb going without a camera ( Down to Leica not shipping the thing in time).

Well i could not wait as we are also working on Digital Processing with photoshop so i took the plunge and purchased the GF1. Now i have a camera and can be hands on.

The Leica dealer did say it could well be Feb so i could not wait.

At the end of the day i can learn the art of photography with any camera,but i am upset as i had set my heart on the X1. Oh well. Guess i'd best leave and let you Leica guys carry on creating your stunning shots.

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Agreed, by the time the x1 is ready, you'll have lost $100 + taxes on the gf1, just consider it a rental fee on a pretty good cam.. that said, did you get the 20/1.7 lens or the 14-45 kit? You may end up loving the gf1, who knows!

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I got it with the 20mm pancake. What a positive attitude to have...... keep it and then sell on when the X1 arrives. Boy i do give up too easily sometimes. Thanks Don Helmudo,nothing to worry about. But i am English and we do tend to worry more than our fellow Europeans.

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I was thinking I'd get an E-P1 to hold me over until the X1, but then I decided to just concentrate on my M8 and forget the u4/3's cameras. I just know the X1 is the camera for me... unfortunately, since I didn't order yet, I'm going to have to wait awhile. Oh well, things could be worse. :)

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........it ain't new Rob that's what's wrong with it and newness makes the X1 better when taking photos .... spectators go oh what a :cool: photographer and :eek:

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I was under the impression the m8 was relatively small for the sensor size? It doesn't have any autofocus though? I don't know much about the m series - i'll have to read more on it, but I was under the impression it wasn't a huge package (lens considered) compared to a dslr.

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The M8 is smaller than many DSLRs and only slightly smaller than some of the compact DSLRs however, it is heavy and the lenses are large and heavy with their metal construction compared to say Nikon or Canon with their plastic lens barrel construction. A compact DSLR with a zoom lens that ranges from 28mm to 100mm will weigh far less and be far less bulky than carrying around an M8 and 3 lenses to cover the same range.

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